The incredible mix of landscapes, awesome activities, friendly people & adventure is what makes Aussie so unique. If you’re wanting a taste of everything, then this is the perfect way to experience it all. See the endless landscapes of the Top End & the unmissable colours of the Red Centre icons like Kings Canyon, Uluru & the Olgas. Beach fun is on the cards too with loads of time on the East Coast. It’s all about getting amongst the good times in one of the world’s most fascinating places & it’s ready to be explored!

Top Offers & Trip Notes

Itinerary + Inclusions & ME Time Optionals

ME Time Optionals

ME Time optionals will take your trip to a whole new level with unforgettable experiences unique to the places you
visit. See more, do more, live more & go home completely regret-free. Costs for these aren’t included in your
tour cost & are payable to your Trip Manager in local currency.

Inclusions

On our trips we don't just take you to the destinations, we make sure you get under the skin of every place you visit. From amazing food & accommodation, to exclusive access to incredible experiences, with Contiki you'll get unbeatable value & a completely unique travel experience.

1
Arrive Darwin

Check into your hotel from 2pm & spend the rest of the day exploring Darwin.

Resort

2
Darwin

Meet up with your fellow travellers and Contiki team before heading out on a Darwin City orientation tour. You’ll visit the East Point Military Reserve and Darwin Museum to find out about the history of the Northern Territory’s capital.

Later you have the chance to come face to face with a 5m crocodile. This is Australia’s only crocodile dive where you are safely housed in a perspex cage while a crocodile lazes, swims and even feeds just inches away.

Get ready for a night out on the town as you get to know your group.

Resort
Breakfast

Visit the Darwin Museum & see the Cyclone Tracy display

See the harbour & East Point Military Reserve

Crocosaurus Cove Entry

A$28

Cage of Death (including entry to Crocosauras Cove)

A$155

3
Darwin to Kakadu National Park

Today you’ll head out to stunning Litchfield National Park. On the way, we stop by the termite mounds, a local natural curiosity. These mounds are up to 4 metres (13ft) high and are literally magnetic – your Trip Manager will fill you in on the details.

Then we hit the famous falls that make up the park - four waterfalls pour over a wide plateau into deep, picture-perfect waterholes surrounded by thick rainforest. Experience this natural playground and take a dip in the transparent waters.

Later, we travel to Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu, known for its ancient rock art, some of which is up to 20,000 years old.

Hotel
Breakfast,Dinner

See the termite mounds

Enjoy a swim at Florence Falls

4
Kakadu National Park

We spend the day exploring some of this 20,000 sq km World Heritage-listed site. It’s packed with swamps, rainforest, wetlands, woodlands, plants, insects and 75 different types of reptiles.

First up it’s Nourlangie Rock with impressive rock art dating back thousands of years. Next we get the background on local indigenous culture at the Warradjan Cultural Centre before our included wildlife boat cruise takes us out to spot crocs & learn about the native birdlife in the area. There may be time to explore the “rock galleries” of Ubirr, where time-old paintings line the cave walls before we head back to the hotel for dinner.

Hotel
Breakfast

Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Hike to see the Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr

Fixed Wing Scenic Flight

A$140

5
Kakadu National Park to Katherine

Kick start the day by cooling off in the swimming hole at Edith Falls, deep in the heart of the national park.

In the afternoon, we arrive in riverside Katherine. There’s an optional cruise through the gorgeous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. This National Park serves up vivid orange cliffs and rock formations that have been carved out by the river over hundreds’ of years. Keep an eye open for fresh water crocs and learn about local wildlife and folklore from our Local Guide.

Back in Katherine, your Trip Manager will organise an optional dinner tonight, so you can relax by the pool.

This morning, we pull into Mataranka Thermal Springs where you can have a swim in the thermal pools at a bush resort, where the mineral waters are a comfortable 34°C/93°F.

Next up: the oldest pub in the Northern Territory, Daly Waters, licensed since 1893. Check out the knick-knacks and memorabilia that cover the walls of this Australian institution. Grab a bite to eat here and maybe meet a local character or two.

We overnight in Tennant Creek, a “true blue” Aussie outback town, where you’ll get a feel for the size of Australia. In the middle of nowhere, this town is the only point of contact for the million acre cattle stations of the surrounding area.

Hotel
Breakfast,Dinner

Visit Elsey, the historic "We of the Never Never" homestead

Swim at the Mataranka thermal pools

Visit the historic Daly Waters pub

Visit the site of Australia's last gold rush

7
Tennant Creek to Alice Springs

As we leave the site of Australia's last gold rush, we're on to Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles) - a strange grouping of enormous boulders.

This afternoon we arrive in Alice Springs. We kick of the afternoon with a trip out to Simpson’s Gap & West MacDonnell National Park where you’ll start to appreciate the remoteness of Central Australia. Next we’ll visit ANZAC Hill lookout and Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Finish the afternoon with a hands on experience at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre where you’ll hear about some of Australia’s unique outback reptiles, and, if you're brave enough, hold a python!

Hotel
Breakfast,Dinner

Visit the unique rock formation known as Karlu Karlu

Visit Australia's UFO capital, Wycliffe Well

Alice Springs Reptile Centre experience

Visit West MacDonnell National Park & see the stunning Aboriginal site of Simpsons Gap

8
Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station

Jump start the day by learning about surviving in the bush with our included Aboriginal 'Bushtucker' tour. Our expert Aboriginal Guide will fill you in on the dos and don’ts of life in the bush, and you’ll even get to taste insects and plants if you’re adventurous.

Next we head to Kings Canyon where you’ll go on an amazing guided hike to places such as the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole and the 'Lost City'!

Finish the day at Kings Creek Station. This working camel & cattle station serves up a real outback experience. Tonight, 'go bush' and sleep under the open sky at our overnight bush camp where you’ll see the desert sky light up with thousands of stars.

Outback bush camp
Breakfast,Dinner

Aboriginal Dreamtime 'Bushtucker' tour in Alice Springs

Hike to the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole and the 'Lost City'

Stay at a cattle & camel station

See the desert night sky & stars

Sleep in a traditional Aussie 'swag' at an outback bush camp

9
Kings Creek Station to Uluru

Today we make tracks to Uluru! But not before you have an opportunity to Race around the station and appreciate it’s size on an optional Quad Bike excursion!

We drive by ancient (700 million years old!) Mt. Connor for 360° views over the red desert and take a walk through Uluṟu's neighbour - Kata Tjuṯa, or 'The Olgas' - before arriving at Yulara Resort. This environmentally designed resort is all about the outback and has a pool for you to cool off in after the drive.

Lodge
Breakfast

Wake up to a bacon & egg breakfast

See the 700 million year old Mt. Conner & Lake Amadeus

Hike through Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas)

Quad Bike Excursion

A$95

10
Uluru

Start off the morning nice and early and watch the sun rise over this iconic natural wonder from the viewing area.

Get familiar with Uluṟu when your Trip Manager takes you around its base and gives you the background of the spiritual significance of this site for Aboriginal people.

For something different, this afternoon you can choose an optional Harley Davidson ride or scenic flight.

Tonight, catch the sun set over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluṟu (Ayers Rock), and grab some nibbles and bubbly to toast this amazing view.

Lodge
Breakfast

Visit Uluru Cultural Centre

See Uluṟu at sunrise

Toast Uluṟu at sunset with drinks & nibbles

Harley Davidson motorcycle rides

from A$109

Uluru & the Olgas Scenic Flights

from A$140

11
Uluru to Cairns

Your Trip Manager will cook up a storm for breakfast, so load up on bacon & eggs! After you'll board your flight to Cairns to meet your new Trip Manager & begin your East Coast adventure.

In your free time on the first night, walk around Cairns’ buzzing night markets. It’s the perfect place for shopping and with everything from fun, kitsch treasures to local crafts like boomerangs and didgeridoos. There’s something for everyone.

Resort
Breakfast

Indulge in a BBQ 'Big Brekkie'

Flight from Alice Springs to Cairns

12-13
Cairns

Wake up to the warm waters of Cairns where there’s something for everyone. This is your chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef on an optional day trip.

If you have always wanted to go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef then this is your chance! There are scuba diving options for both certified and introductory divers (no experience necessary). Check out the amazing World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, you are sure to see one of Nemo's cousins, tiny schooling fish right up to giant Maori wrasse and if you're lucky, even a small reef shark! There are local marine biologists on board to answer 'which fish is that?'

On day 2, for those who are keen for a fun and thrilling ride on the rapids of the Tully River, join our optional whitewater rafting adventure activity with our professional Local Guides. There are loads more activities available in Cairns like sky diving and bungy jumping – just ask your Trip Manager for some more info.

Catch up with your new buddies to swap stories on your day at a local hot spot. The food and entertainment is sure to leave a lasting impression!

ResortResort
Breakfast,Dinner,Breakfast

Cairns city orientation

Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

from A$170

White Water Rafting

A$185

Skydive Australia

From A$259

AJ Hackett Minjin Swing or Bungee Jump

A$105 / A$150

14-15
Cairns to the Whitsundays

Relax on the coach as we cruise past thick, tropical rainforests into Tully, home to some of Australia’s best whitewater rafting.

Slowly leaving the tropics behind us, we hit Townsville for some free time. Check out the colonial buildings and get a feel for its maritime past as we drive along the esplanade and into town where you can grab some lunch.

See vistas over Magnetic Island, a National Park and bird sanctuary, before we continue our travels south. Play some tunes on your ipod, have a chat, catch a DVD or simply enjoy some downtime before you board a ferry out to stunning Daydream Island.

The time is then yours to enjoy the picture-perfect Whitsundays! Slow the pace down, kick back and make the most of the fantastic facilities available at the resort. Go for a rainforest walk, swim in the pool, get into some beach or water sports, try your hand at fish-feeding, catch a film at the big outdoor cinema or laze about on the beach.

For those that are up for it, you could get away from it all with our optional day sail. Check out some of the Whitsunday’s 74 islands from the boat – you’ll soon understand why this region is so famous. Experience what is known as one of the top ten beaches in the world, uninhabited Whitehaven Beach. Swim off the boat and play beach volleyball or cricket with the local skipper and crew before enjoying a tasty lunch and a few drinks on the way back to Daydream Island.

ResortResort
Breakfast,Dinner,Breakfast

Pass through Tully, home to Australia's best whitewater rafting

Pass Hinchinbrook Island - Australia's largest island national park

See Magnetic Island

Townsville city orientation

Visit the vibrant seaside town of Airlie Beach

Transfer boat to Daydream Island

Stay on Daydream Island and enjoy all the resort facilities

Cruise Whitsundays Camira Day Sail

A$170

16
The Whitsundays to Farmstay

Today you head back to the mainland, plug in you ipod or chat with friends as we drive through scenic Mackay, with countryside full of vibrant green vegetation and sugar cane plantations. Continue down the Capricorn Coast and head inland to an authentic country homestead, right in the heart of Queensland’s cattle country, for our overnight stay.

During our time at Langmorn, a working cattle station, you’ll experience a taste of real Aussie country life. The owners will show you around the enormous property in a behind-the-scenes look at daily life on the farm.

Taste local hospitality tonight as your welcoming hosts pile your table high with a hearty roast beef and vegetables (like you've never tasted before) followed by an indulgent homemade decadent desert.

Later, have a go at whip cracking an authentic leather stock whip under night lights before heading back inside for traditional Aussie bush dancing. Have some fun and a giggle with some evening karaoke. See if you can spot the 'Southern Cross' amongst a chandelier of stars, a constellation only visible in the southern hemisphere & featured on the Australian flag.

Country Homestead
Breakfast,Dinner

Visit the main region of Australia's sugar cane industry

Visit & cross the Tropic of Capricorn

Rockhampton sightseeing tour

Meet the cattle station owners

Check out the farm & animals on a hay wagon ride, then try whip cracking!

Aussie Outback experience: Langmorn Station Special Stopover

17
Farmstay to Fraser Island

After breakfast we drive back out to the coast and jump on board a ferry. Enjoy the cruise out to famous Fraser Island, where we’ll stay at an eco-lodge for our time here. Each cabin has its own kitchenette and living room, as well as a balcony – perfect for hanging out and listening to the sounds of the bush surrounding your lodge.

If you're done with the pool and spa, you could take a stroll along the sand, check out the busy crabs on their evening march up the beach or the fish that dart amongst the jetty pylons. Make yourself comfortable on the beach and take in a unique sunset over the water near the Jetty Hut.

Tonight, grab a bite to eat at one of the resort restaurants, then grab your dancing shoes and use the coloured chalk to write on the walls of the popular Dingo Bar.

Eco Lodge
Lunch,Breakfast

Stop in Childers, a small country town, known for its heritage & farming history

Stay on the world's largest sand island, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Stay in an eco-village & enjoy the resort facilities

18
Fraser Island to Noosa

Experience a slice of paradise on Fraser Island this morning. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is the largest sand island in the world and is 800,000 years old. Packed with around 40 fresh-water lakes, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, Fraser Island lives up to its amazing reputation.

Jump on our included 4WD adventure through the island’s sand dunes, rainforests & freshwater lakes. Our Local Guide will show you some of the island’s best spots and hidden treasures, such as Lake McKenzie – make sure you keep your camera handy – this is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.

Once we’re back on the mainland, Noosa is up next. It’s a trendy beach resort town. Enjoy a drink or two with the included dinner tonight at the local surf club. Later if you want to take it up a level, head out into the town & explore Noosa by night.

Resort
Breakfast,Dinner

Take a locally guided 4WD trip across Fraser Island & indulge in a gourmet BBQ lunch

Drive along Australia's only sand highway

Visit the picturesque seaside town & beach of Noosa

Dine beachside at Noosa Surf Club & meet a lifesaver

19
Noosa to Surfers Paradise

There’s time to explore Noosa this morning so take a stroll through the shops or sunbathe and swim at the beach before we make our way south. We also stop off in Brisbane today. You’ll get a feel for the capital of Queensland’s laid-back atmosphere when we have a look around town.

Tonight we pull into legendary Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast’s party hot spot and home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world.

Grab some of your new friends and join the party atmosphere of Surfers tonight with included VIP nightclub entry. With loads of restaurants and buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everybody. Head to the happening Orchid or Cavill Avenues, where clubs and bars line the street or shoot some pool at the pub.

Resort
Breakfast

See the Brisbane River, South Bank, Royal Botanical Gardens & visit Queen Street Mall on a city tour

See the Glass House Mountains

Stay at a resort located right by the beach

VIP nightclub entry

20
Surfers Paradise

With a free day, hang out among the bronzed bodies, bikini babes and surfer dudes on the golden sands. Check out what Surfers is most famous for, the three kilometers of gorgeous natural beaches. Kick back and spot some locals showing off their talents in the waves.

If you want to get amongst the action there’s so much happening in Surfers Paradise you are spoilt for choice. You could head up into the Hinterland Mountains on a 4WD trip, visit South Stradbroke Island on a kayaking safari or spend all day at Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's Zoo, Australia Zoo.

Our hotel is only a short walk from both the beach and downtown Surfers Paradise so you could also hit the shops – Surfers has some great places to shop and a huge outlet mall for bargains, so get some tips from your Trip Manager on where’s best to head.

Hotel
Breakfast

Relax on some of Australia's most famous beaches on the Gold Coast

Tandem Skydiving

from A$345

Southern Cross 4WD night tour

AU$ 105

21
Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay

This morning, we visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get up close to Australia’s amazing native animals. Cuddle a koala, feed the kangaroos and see wombats, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and colourful birds. You can feel good about doing this too, as our visits to this not-for-profit organisation go towards the sanctuary’s animal hospital and help over 4000 injured animals every year.

Next up: cross the Queensland/New South Wales state boarder to one of Aussies not-to-be-missed spots - gorgeous Byron Bay. With a laid-back lifestyle, cute little shops, organic food, alternative therapies and around 30km of pretty beaches, it’s a must see. Byron Bay is situated on a marine park also known for its incredible marine life.

Head out to Cape Byron, the mainland Australia’s most easterly point and see the local pod of dolphins and if you’re lucky the seasonal humpback whales. Grab some lunch back in town and maybe take a swim at the beach.

There are loads of other things on offer here too, like a sea kayaking adventure where you catch up with a family of dolphins at Wategos beach, their curiosity often brings them right up next your kayak, and snorkeling at Middle reef home to turtles, rays, corals, eels, starfish and sharks.

This morning you’ll wake up to more good times in Byron Bay. Maybe head to the beach for a swim or a wander round town before it’s time to leave the chilled out atmosphere behind after lunch.

Later, there’s more beach action. Tonight we’ll stay in Coffs Harbour, home to surf beaches, fishing and banana plantations. This is a chance for a unique experience with our overnight Special Stay experience – we’re staying at a Surf Village!

This afternoon it’s time for an awesome Aussie experience - hit the waves & learn to surf with some professional instructors as you have a go at surfing! Join some of the coolest people on the planet as you get involved with Australia's beach culture. Our cabins are right on the beach, so soak up the surf vibes, top up your tan and relax by the open fire under the stars tonight.

Surf Village
Breakfast,Dinner

Learn to surf the waves or ride a kayak at our beachside surf camp

23
Coffs Harbour to Sydney

This morning, chill out on the coach and chat with your travel buddies as we head south. We pass the iconic 'Big Banana' in Coffs Harbour, before heading to Port Macquarie for lunch. Relax with your travel buddies...it’s a chilled out day before reaching Sydney.

From the high-energy downtown area to its popular beaches, Sydney has something for everyone. You’ll soon understand why this is one the world’s most beautiful harbour cities.

See the sails of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and the famous Harbour Bridge. We will pass the iconic ‘Coca Cola Sign’ and cruise along ‘The Strip’ of Kings Cross, and hear stories of the underbelly of Sydney’s Red Light District.

Tonight, there is a chance for you to scale the heights of the Harbour Bridge on the optional BridgeClimb.

Hotel
Breakfast

See the famous 'Big Banana' & banana plantations

Stop in the seaside resort town of Port Macquarie

Harbour Bridge climb

from A$198

24
Sydney

First up today - get in the know on Sydney as your Trip Manager points out all the hottest spots & icons of this harbourside haven. From the babes on the beaches of Manly, the buzzy Kings Cross & its colourful characters to Chinatown & Darling Harbour, the sights & sounds are as varied as its residents & we’re here to uncover it all. We’ll also take you to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair Lookout Street and the Rocks, for undoubtedly the city’s best views of the Opera House & Harbour Bridge in one go (so it’s perfect for some of those legendary Sydney snaps).

Later, it’s a totally Sydney experience with an included ride to the famous Manly Beach. We’ll drop you right at the beach. Bliss! On arrival, grab some lunch then throw down your towel, pop in your iPod & take time to paddle in the cool water, work on your tan if the weather is right, or just people watch as you soak up the vibes & atmosphere. There are loads of shops & restaurants here too, for those that are keen to check out the local buzz. Later, take the Sydney scenic route back - you’ll get a panoramic view of the city as your backdrop whilst you cruise on the famous & iconic ferry

On arrival back in the city tonight, dinner is guaranteed to impress. We’ll head to one of Darling Harbour’s locals restaurants for a delicious included meal right by the water. Watching the sunset with a drink in hand & a great meal as you people watch the cool Sydney siders is the perfect way to end the day.

Celebrate your last night on tour together by heading out for dinner at Darling Harbour & soaking up the buzzing nightlife of Sydney with your friends one last time!

This morning we’re heading out of the city & into the country for our included Blue Mountain’s day trip. The dramatic landscape of gorges (some up to 760m) are massive & will impress with the endless views into the distance. We’ll take a casual hike along the Jamison Ridge to the top of Wentworth Falls, passing a number of lookouts along the way. Next we’ll stop at Leura, a charming country village before visiting the iconic ‘Three Sisters’ – the famous rock formations. With amazing views & photos to keep your memories fresh when you get home, we’ll head back to Sydney.

This city is home to some of the world’s best shopping, so it’s a haven for those who love to shop! From Aussie favourites like Sass & Bide, Witchery, Mimco, Billabong, Sportsgirl & all round favourite General Pants Co, there is plenty to tempt at every turn. Explore the unique boutiques in beautiful surroundings at the historic Queen Victoria Building right in the heart of the city. It’s a short walk from Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, the Botanic Gardens and Sydney shopping Mecca Pitt Street Mall – home to Australian retail giants Myer and David Jones.

Say farewell to your new friends as your trip winds up upon arrival back in Sydney this afternoon.

Hotel
Breakfast

Day trip out to the stunning Blue Mountains

See the famous Three Sisters rock formation

Hike along the ridge overlooking Jamison Valley

26
Finish Sydney

Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning.

What's Included

All of this & more, included as standard on your trip.

Accommodation

25 nights multi-share accommodation: 18 nights in hotels & resorts, 2 nights in a lodge, 1 night in an eco-lodge, 1 night in a hostel, 1 night in a surf school village, 1 night in a cattle station lodge, 1 night in an outback bush camp in a comfy Aussie ‘swag’

Me Time

What's Included

All of this & more, included as standard on your trip.

Accommodation

25 nights multi-share accommodation: 18 nights in hotels & resorts, 2 nights in a lodge, 1 night in an eco-lodge, 1 night in a hostel, 1 night in a surf school village, 1 night in a cattle station lodge, 1 night in an outback bush camp in a comfy Aussie ‘swag’